In June, I had the honor of representing the Berkshire County Board of REALTORS® and the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® at the 2026 National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C. While the opportunity to advocate on behalf of property owners, homeowners, and our industry was the primary focus, the experience also provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in real estate, public policy, technology, leadership, and economic forecasting.
Throughout the week, I participated in numerous forums, committee meetings, educational sessions, and networking events designed to help REALTOR® leaders better serve their members and communities.
The week began with the Leadership and Advocacy Scoop, which provided a comprehensive overview of the major legislative priorities facing our industry and highlighted the critical role REALTORS® play in advocating for private property rights and housing opportunities. This set the stage for a week focused on ensuring our profession continues to have a strong voice at every level of government.
I also attended the Local Leadership Exchange Council, where local association leaders from across the country shared innovative ideas, successful programs, and best practices. These discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration and provided valuable insights that can help strengthen our association here in Berkshire County.
One of the most impactful sessions was the Federal Legislative and Political Forum, where national leaders discussed the current political landscape and the legislative issues affecting housing affordability, homeownership, taxation, property rights, and economic growth. The forum reinforced how important it is for REALTORS® to remain engaged in the political process and continue advocating for policies that benefit consumers and communities.
Technology was a major theme throughout the meetings. I attended several Artificial Intelligence forums and educational sessions, where industry experts demonstrated how AI is transforming marketing, customer service, business operations, and data analysis. While AI presents exciting opportunities, these discussions also emphasized the importance of maintaining the human expertise, ethics, and personal relationships that consumers expect from REALTORS®.
I also participated in several Multiple Listing Service forums, which explored emerging MLS policies, data management, transparency initiatives, and the evolving role of MLS systems in today’s marketplace. These conversations provided valuable perspectives on how the industry continues to adapt while preserving cooperation and consumer access to information.
As a broker-owner, I found the Idea Exchange Council for Brokers Forum particularly valuable. Brokers from across the country shared strategies for recruiting, retention, leadership development, technology adoption, risk management, and creating sustainable business models in an ever-changing marketplace. The willingness of industry leaders to openly share their successes and challenges demonstrates the collaborative spirit that makes our profession so unique.
My participation in the State and Local Issues Policy Committee provided important insights into the challenges communities face regarding housing supply, zoning, infrastructure, affordability, and local regulations. These discussions highlighted the need for practical solutions that increase housing opportunities while respecting local community needs.
I also attended the AARP, Insights and Tools for REALTORS® sessions, which focused on the growing needs of America’s aging population and the importance of housing options that allow individuals to age in place, downsize effectively, and maintain independence. These conversations are increasingly relevant as demographic trends continue to shape housing demand.
Economic conditions remain top of mind for consumers and real estate professionals alike. I attended both the Residential Economic Forum and the Commercial Economic Forum, where nationally recognized economists provided forecasts and analysis regarding interest rates, inflation, housing inventory, commercial investment trends, and overall market conditions. While challenges remain, there was a strong sense of cautious optimism regarding the long-term strength and resilience of the real estate market.
As the leader of our local association, I also participated in the 2026 President Roundtables, where association presidents from around the country discussed leadership challenges, member engagement, strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and ways to create stronger REALTOR® organizations. These conversations provided valuable ideas that I’m able to bring back to Berkshire County.
Another topic that received significant attention was Cybersecurity Awareness. As cyber threats continue to target consumers and real estate professionals, industry experts stressed the importance of education, data protection, fraud prevention, and safeguarding client information. These discussions served as an important reminder that protecting our clients extends beyond the transaction itself.
Beyond the educational opportunities, one of the most rewarding aspects of the Legislative Meetings was the opportunity to strengthen relationships with fellow REALTORS®. I was proud to attend the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Night Out, where REALTORS® from every corner of the Commonwealth came together to share ideas, build connections, and celebrate our profession. It was also a wonderful opportunity to network with REALTOR® leaders from across the country, exchange perspectives, and develop relationships that will continue to benefit our association and members for years to come.
These connections are one of the greatest strengths of organized real estate. Whether discussing advocacy, technology, housing policy, leadership, or business operations, the willingness of REALTORS® to collaborate and support one another is truly remarkable.
I returned from Washington with new knowledge, fresh ideas, valuable relationships, and a renewed commitment to serving our members and communities. The challenges facing housing today are significant, but so is the dedication of REALTORS® nationwide who work every day to promote homeownership, protect private property rights, and strengthen communities.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent Berkshire County at the national level. I look forward to sharing what I learned, implementing new ideas, and continuing to work alongside all of you as we move our association and our profession forward.
Corey Bishop
2026 President
Berkshire County Board of REALTORS®
“The strength of our profession is not measured solely by the transactions we close, but by the relationships we build, the communities we serve, and the voices we raise in advocacy for property owners and homeownership across America.”